This guide is aimed at providing a range of in vivo models to aid in preclinical research and development of tissue engineered medical products intended for the clinical repair or regeneration of articular cartilage.

This guide includes a description of the animal models, surgical considerations, and tissue processing as well as the qualitative and quantitative analysis of tissue specimens.

The user is encouraged to utilize appropriate ASTM and other guidelines to conduct cytotoxicity and biocompatibility tests on materials or devices, or both, prior to assessment of the in vivo models described herein.

It is recommended that safety testing be in accordance with the provisions of the FDA Good Laboratory Practices Regulations 21 CFR 58.

Safety and Effectiveness studies to support IDE (Investigational Device Exemption), PMA (Premarket Approval), or 510K submissions should conform to appropriate FDA guidelines for development of medical devices.

Animal model outcomes are not necessarily predictive of human results and should, therefore, be interpreted cautiously with respect to potential applicability to human conditions.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers general guidelines for the in vivo assessment of implantable devices intended to repair or regenerate articular cartilage. Devices included in this guide may be composed of natural or synthetic biomaterials (biocompatible and biodegradable) or composites thereof and may contain cells or biologically active agents such as growth factors, synthetic peptides, plasmids, or cDNA.

1.2 Guidelines include a description and rationale of various animal models utilizing a range of species such as rabbit (lupine), dog (canine), pig (porcine), goat (caprine), sheep (ovine), and horse (equine). Outcome measures based on histologic, biochemical, and mechanical analyses are briefly described and referenced. The user should refer to specific test methods for additional detail.

1.3 This guide is not intended to include the testing of raw materials, preparation of biomaterials, sterilization, or packaging of product. ASTM standards for these steps are available in Reference Documents.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.